PTSD is a serious yet treatable medical disorder. It is not a
sign of personal weakness. If you think you might have PTSD,
answer the following questions to find out more.
1. Have you experienced or witnessed a life-threatening event
that caused intense fear, helplessness, or horror?
2. Do you re-experience the event through repeated, distressing
memories or dreams?
3. Do you re-experience the event through flashbacks (feeling as
if the event were happening again) or a sense of reliving it?
4. Do you experience intense physical and/or emotional distress
when you are exposed to things that remind you of the event?
5. Do you avoid thoughts, feelings, or conversation about the
event?
6. Do you avoid activities, places, or people who remind you of
the event?
7. Are you unable to remember important parts of the event?
8. Have you lost interest in significant activities in your
life?
9. Do you feel detached from other people?
10. Do you feel your range of emotions is restricted?
11. Do you feel as if your future has shrunk (for example, you
don't expect to have a career, marriage, children or a normal
life span)?
12. Do you have trouble sleeping?
13. Are you irritable, or experiencing outbursts of anger?
14. Do you have problems concentrating?
15. Do you frequently feel "on guard"?
16. Do you experience an exaggerated startle response?
17. Do your symptoms interfere with your daily life?
18. Have your symptoms lasted at least one month?
If you answered yes to three or more questions you may have PTSD.
More Good PTSD Links
Ask the
Therapist about PTSD
Ask Laura Russell Ph.D. about post traumatic stress disorder.
At Health: PTSD
Diagnosis and treatment of PTSD.
eMedicine Health Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Overview of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and its causes,
symptoms, and treatment.
Gateway to PTSD Information
Gateway to four nonprofit sites that offer PTSD information and
resources.
Gift From Within
A non-profit organization for sufferers, their carers, and those
at risk. Includes articles, resources, and a support network.
Hope Morrow's
Trauma Central
Links to full-text online articles on psychological trauma, PTSD
and related subjects.
I Thought It Was Just Me
Description of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder(PTSD),its symptoms
and impact on sufferers and their families.
A Librarian's Guide to Books About Trauma
Article by Fred Lerner, head of the PILOTS database.
Mayo
Clinic: Post Traumatic Distress Disorder
A description of symptoms, complications, and treatments for the
disorder.
MentalHealthChannel - PTSD
PTSD overview, symptoms, prognosis, diagnosis and treatment
information.
Military Veterans PTSD
Reference Manual
Online manual for veterans which outlines information on
recognition and diagnosis of PTSD, and available therapies and
treatment.
NIMH about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
NIMH article about PTSD: information, resources, symptoms,
treatment and organizations.
PTSD Facts for Health
Diagnosing and treating posttraumatic stress disorder:
information and resources for patients and clinicians.
